Religion 249 - POP MUSIC OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Spring
2019
01
4.00
Suleiman Mourad; Margaret Sarkissian
TTh 01:00-02:50
Smith College
30346-S19
SAGE 215
smourad@smith.edu; msarkiss@smith.edu
30345
Same as MUS 249. Music is a complex issue in many Islamic societies. There are tensions between those who believe music has no place in Islam and try to prohibit it, those for whom it is a central component of mystical devotion, and those who tolerate it, albeit within well-defined parameters. The debate intensifies in the case of popular music, a core part of the self-identification of young people everywhere. Despite this, there is an amazing variety of vibrant popular music throughout the Islamic world. This course will explore the religious debates over music and the rich musical tradition (including religious music) in Islam.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.